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Daughter's round the world tribute to dad
THE daughter of a Sandsend man who was killed in a plane crash is to embark on a round the world yacht race to honour his memory.
Mis Coakley (25), pictured above, will take part in an 11-month sailing challenge the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in 2011 in tribute to her father Arthur, with whom she shared a love of the sea.
Arthur Coakley (61), inset, was one of 228 people killed when flight AF447 plunged into the ocean during a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris on 1 June.
Ms Coakley said: "Since Dad died there's been a big void.
"We both shared a love for the sea.
"Dad was saving up to buy a yacht before he died and this is a step for me to realise that dream for him.
"I know Dad would be very proud of me. He will be on my left shoulder throughout the race.
"I wanted to do something to honour his memory and this seemed like the right thing to do. My family were a bit nervous when I told them but they are all right behind me."
After setting off from the Humber, Ms Coakley, who is a photography student in Aberdeen, will cover 40,000 miles and six continents on the journey, taking on nine other racing yachts.
She has experience of long journeys by sea having sailed around Europe for 14 months on board HMS Endeavour in 2003.
The trip will require her to spend time in Rio de Janeiro, the site of the plane crash that claimed her father's life.
"I'm not looking forward to that part but there is no way round it so it is something I am going to have to deal with when it happens," she said.
Mr Coakley, who was married to Patricia (58) and was also father to Dominic (32) and Patrick (30) was flown home to be buried in the area much to his family's relief.
Ms Coakley said that the family were still coming to terms with his death, having just had their first Christmas without him.
She now needs to raise 40,000 to take part in the Clipper Race and is currently looking for sponsors.
She had to take a 16-hour bus journey from Aberdeen to Portsmouth for the interview where she was bombarded with questions about her will to take part.
"It was one of the hardest things I have done but thankfully they said yes," she said.
"I will get a chance to do everything on board the boat so I'm now a mixture of nervous and excited."
* To sponsor Mis call her on 07827 476019 or email mise.coakley@yahoo.com
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Weather for Whitby
Sunday 05 February 2012
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Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
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